I am skipping chapter seven very intentionally because I know I have some younger readers and feel it is best to skip that chapter right now.  It deals with a mans relationship with his wife in a sexual manner.  I do not think sex is a dirty word or bad to talk about that is for sure.  One only has to read the Song of Solomon to find this out.  However sometimes things are left better unsaid for me at this time so on to Chapter 8.  The title itself sounds somewhat productive Victoria’s other Secret. However the chapter has some great things to take from it.  Mike describes a pattern that he calls the descent and I think it is worth noting.

1.  Satan begins by cultivating ingratitude.  He focuses Eve’s restriction on the one restriction in the entire garden.  (Genesis 3:1-3)

2.  This leads to idolatry – denying that God has our best interests in mind.  (Genesis 3:4-5)

3.  Immorality comes next. (Genesis 3:6)

4.  Imprisonment is the result. (Genesis 3:23-24)

I totally agree with the descent that Mike has laid out here for us.  It is so true we gradually start down this road and before we know it we end up over our head and can’t seem to get out of the sin that we are stuck in.  Though the book is realting this to sexual sin it is this way with any sin.

This is prison: you don’t like what you are doing, but you can’t stop.  When you are given over to something, it rules you.  You can’t quit.  You promise yourself or you promise God that you’ll do better next time, only to find yourself praying that prayer over and over again.

I know what it is like to be in that prison.  That paragraph above hit me like a ton of bricks.  I have been there before struggling with sin and wanting to stop.  Praying over and over again that it would only go away or that I could somehow rid myself of it.  I can remember feeling so guilty and bawling my eyes out over sin I just could not seem to git rid of.  Returning to the sin like a dog to its own vomit I know the feeling. But I also know that we gain power over sin through the blood of Jesus Christ.  I have been able to gain victory over sin by the power of Christ in my life.  Do I still sin?  Absolutely but I am no longer in that prison.  It is good to have those around you that you confess to and that can help you and speak the power of Christ into your life.